School-Age Child Care Teacher

Career Guide

A School-Age Child Care Teacher supports children typically in kindergarten through early teens during before-school, after-school, and school-break programs. The role focuses on safety, positive behavior, engaging activities, homework support, and strong communication with families and school staff.

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Key Responsibilities

Maintain a safe and well-supervised environment
Build supportive relationships with children
Plan age-appropriate activities that promote learning and social skills
Support homework time and study habits
Encourage positive behavior using consistent expectations
Manage classroom routines, transitions, and attendance
Provide snacks and support basic health and hygiene practices
Observe children’s needs and track progress
Communicate regularly with families about successes and concerns
Coordinate with school staff and follow site rules and policies
Respond to incidents and complete required documentation
Maintain required child to staff ratios and licensing requirements

Top Skills for Success

Child Supervision

Behavior Management

Activity Planning

Classroom Management

Child Development Knowledge

Communication

Patience

Conflict Resolution

Relationship Building

First Aid

CPR

Recordkeeping

Teamwork

Cultural Responsiveness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Lead School-Age Teacher

Program Lead

Site Coordinator

Child Care Center Lead Teacher

Youth Program Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Preschool Teacher

Elementary Teacher Assistant

Paraprofessional Educator

Behavior Support Aide

Family Support Specialist

School Counselor Assistant

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Behavior De-escalationLesson PlanningTrauma-Informed CareSpecial Education AwarenessFamily CommunicationDocumentation QualityGroup FacilitationChild Safety Procedures

Development SuggestionsBuild confidence through short trainings, shadowing experienced staff, and using simple routines. Practice clear behavior expectations, consistent follow-through, and calm communication. Ask for feedback on activity plans and written documentation to improve quality over time.

Market Intelligence Report

School-Age Child Care Teacher is part of the Education, Instruction & Training Roles - Other category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$24,000 to $32,000 per year

Mid Level$32,000 to $42,000 per year

Senior Level$42,000 to $55,000 per year

Growth Trend

Stable demand in many regions, with ongoing hiring driven by expanded after-school programs, staff turnover, and increased need for dependable child supervision. Pay and openings vary widely by location, program funding, and credentials.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

YMCABoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaKinderCareBright HorizonsLocal school districtsCity parks and recreation departmentsCommunity centersPrivate after-school program providers

Industry Sectors

Before and after-school careYouth development programsCommunity educationRecreation programsEducation support servicesNonprofit organizations

Recommended Next Steps

Earn or renew CPR and First Aid credentials

Complete required state or local child care training hours

Create a simple activity plan portfolio with games, crafts, and movement activities

Practice a consistent behavior routine and write it down for easy use

Ask a supervisor to observe you and provide feedback on group management

Learn your program’s safety procedures and incident reporting steps

Explore a role ladder toward Lead Teacher or Site Coordinator

If interested in schools, research paraprofessional requirements in your district